JOB DESCRIPTION

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Chief Audit Officer (CAO) is responsible for carrying out a comprehensive program of internal audit to assess the organization’s internal control environment and compliance with its policies and procedures worldwide. This position plans, develops and recommends procedures and systems to be used in internal auditing throughout the organization. The CAO oversees the internal audit function which examines and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls, the integrity of and reliability of the organization’s financial and operational information, and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and programs. This position also oversees a program to monitor the Conservancy’s grants of funds to other organizations including subrecipients of U.S. government monies. The CAO oversees a professional staff of six or more professional auditors and is the liaison for the Audit Committee of the Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors. The position reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Nature Conservancy’s Board of Directors and operationally to the General Counsel.

This role is remote in the US or Alberta, Ontario, or NW Territories provinces of Canada with ample overlap with EST working hours.

 

We’re Looking for You:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and lead the organization’s global internal audit strategy, ensuring alignment with mission, risk profile, and regulatory requirements.
  • Advise executive leadership and the Audit Committee on internal control effectiveness, risk mitigation, and compliance matters.
  • Work collaboratively with the Legal Leadership Team and other members of the Enterprise Risk Team on matters relating to the control environment and risk mitigation.
  • Maintain independence and objectivity in audit planning and execution while fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
• Audit Program Oversight
  • Design and implement a comprehensive internal audit program covering financial, operational, compliance, and IT risks.
  • Oversee risk-based audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up across global operations.
  • Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with professional standards (e.g., IIA) and organizational policies.
• Governance and Compliance
  • Serve as primary liaison to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, preparing reports and presenting findings.
  • Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and government regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance for U.S. federal grants).
  • Participate in investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, or control failures, and coordinate with legal and HR as needed.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead and manage a team of internal auditors and monitoring professionals across multiple regions.
  • Set performance objectives, provide coaching and development, and foster a high-performing, ethical audit culture.
  • Ensure team capabilities align with evolving audit needs, including data analytics and technology-enabled auditing.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Risk, and Operations teams to strengthen internal controls and risk management.
  • Represent the organization externally in audit-related forums, peer networks, and donor engagements.
  • Communicate audit findings and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and field teams.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation
  • Promote continuous improvement in audit methodologies, tools, and reporting.
  • Leverage technology and data analytics to enhance audit efficiency and insight.
  • Stay current on global audit trends, nonprofit governance, and regulatory developments.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting and at least 7 years of related internal audit experience.
• Five or more years of experience managing people and interacting with Executive Management and an Audit Committee.
• Professional certification as a CPA or CIA.
• Experience with government regulations related to grants and contracts.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and lead multiple complex projects.
• Experience working in a management or leadership role in a Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or related field.
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations.
• DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• 10+ years of leadership internal audit experience.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working internationally is preferred; nonprofit experience is a plus.
• Experience working in public accounting in internal auditing a plus.
• Proficiency in audit and data analytics tools (e.g. audit software, Excel, Power BI, ACL Tableau) and strong reporting capabilities.
• Ability to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data.
• Management experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance of staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills appropriate for global board of directors and executive leadership.
• Ability to balance the independence and collaboration required to constructively be brought into organizational happenings affecting risk.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Fluency in foreign language(s) to support global operations a plus.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position will be between $180,000 – $280,000. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on the candidate”s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location and specific starting salary range will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy”s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.